brief and incomplete update

It's been a long while since I've posted to this blog, but I guess it would be a good idea to do that now. I'm watching Aladdin to ease my stress of the moment. I'm getting married in 4 days and I'm somehow not avoiding the stesses that accompany wedding planning. We are moving back to Idaho shortly after the wedding as we have an apartment there, but no where to live here. I will start working back at my job at the resort as soon as I get home.

In the meantime, Zach is still working on a couple projects that will hopefully reach a stopping point before we go. His F-350 needed a lot of work (as in a lot, a lot) and is being just about equally traded out for the work he's doing. I am thinking we are still coming out on top, but only by a little bit. Financial stresses are the norm, I suppose, and when you combine two people, it doesn't always make for a greater income balance, especially when I quit my job to stay here for the two months before the wedding.

I'm excited to just be married, move to our own apartment and start our new life. I have loved being home, especially with my nieces and nephew, but not having a regular job, routine or a car is getting old and stressful. Mom pointed out the other day that I'm not doing any of the things that generally energize me, which is true. Working, interacting with new people everyday; having freedom; being alone, enjoying my time with my music;.... I'm getting tired here now. Only 4 more days.

Yay for getting married!

Awaiting my summer

It’s amazing how easily affected I am by the rain.  It has rained everyday here since I got back.  The early mornings are beautiful, but right about 10am, the storm clouds roll over Bald Mt. and dump rain. Blah.  It’s cold too.  Long time locals haven’t seen it rain this much in many years - if only it had snowed as much over the winter as it’s raining now. :-)  I was up early this morning for breakfast with Rip, and the sky was blue with fluffy white clouds.  I was in a great mood, ready for the day.  Then the clouds rolled in with cold air and I suddenly lost all motivation and wanted only to go back to bed. But one should never lie down for a nap before 11am, especially if that’s only 3 hours since one has awoken for the day. :-)

But, right as I was dozing off, I received a call from a lady (Julie) at church and we decided to have lunch.  It was a wonderful time of fellowship and beginning to share our lives with each other.  Linda from church also called and I have lunch and hiking plans with her on Friday.  Part of my prayer and goals since vacation is that I would become more connected at church, and though I have to put forth effort in that, God responded so quickly.  I didn’t initiate meeting with Julie - she approached me the first sunday morning I was back.  I am really excited about the opportunities for new relationships.  We ate lunch at a Chinese place and my ‘fortune’ cookie said, “Explore the possibilities in your new relationships.  Now is the time.”  Aptly spoken, in many ways for me right now.

This past Sunday morning at church was an absolutely refreshing and needed time of truly encountering God.  Before worship was even done, a guy in the congregation spoke out a Word he heard from God.  Without going into great detail, the words he spoke were exactly what I had been praying.  I wanted a clear answer on something and it couldn’t have been clearer.  As we continued to worship, people began sharing what God was speaking to them, and it became just me and God in there.  I’m sure others benefited from the ministry of the Holy Spirit, but as far as I was concerned, it was just me and God in there.  One thing after another, he addressed things in my life and heart, speaking out loud through other people the direct answers to prayer thoughts and discussions I was having with Him.  This time continued on for about an hour, and then church was done.  It was never interrupted for the scheduled message from the pastor, or announcements of whatever is normally done.  It’s so awesome when it’s so obvious God is speaking through his people.  And that he really does love me so much that when I asked for help, he showed up in a big way, involving other people.  No one knew of my struggles, heart condition and prayers.  But He did and he answered in no subtle way.

Having a clear word from the Lord and knowing what decisions have to be made in my life doesn’t make it easy, but I do have a peace about certain things and I know what issues He will be dealing with over the next couple months.  I’m excited for what’s to come.  This is going to be a good summer. :-)

Back in Idahome

After a month long vacation (one week in DC, and just about three in Des Moines), I am back at ‘home’ in Idaho.  I moved from my dorm in Sun Valley into a house in Ketchum.  I came across what seems to be a really good arrangement for the next few months at least.  An older gentleman (81yrs) offered free room, board and food in exchange for light housekeeping (sweeping floors, doing dishes, occasionally cooking, etc...)  I have my own room, with a real closet, a small chest of drawers and a southeast facing window looking at Mt. Baldy.  There are aspen trees right outside my window whose leaves shake and quiver so beautifully in the wind, reminding me of Colorado. I have a bathroom to myself and free reign of the house, including the gorgeous black baby grand piano in the living room.  In addition, he has a cat to snuggle with and love.

Rip’s wife is in a home 12 miles south, with Alzheimer's, and he was in need of some help and company.  The new arrangement won’t come without it’s own challenges - living with anyone always does - but I am excited for the opportunities, especially verses the dorm option. :-)  He keeps saying how he feels we will get along ‘famously’ and that I was the gal he wanted as soon as he met me back on May 1st.

My trip to DC was great - another World Race ZEO team reunion.  Amy married her man on May 9th and not only did I spend time with ZEO gals, I was also blessed to stay with Elizabeth (friend from New Orleans and WR days).  After a week there, I headed back home to Des Moines where I spent time with family, and picked up shifts at Court Ave to make some vacation money - always a plus.  I hung out with my nieces and nephew who grow so much in a short 6 months.

I tackled a project that needed to be done one day, sooner or later.  I unpacked all of the unorganized, tattered boxes of my belongings in my parent’s basement.  Then I organized everything, discarded much and repacked what was left into plastic bins, so now whenever I ‘move’ I won’t have that awful job.  Plus that storage room looks a little better now.  I dug through years of memories - letters and cards from friends and family, memorabilia from as far back as 20 years.  It was hard to decide what to keep and what wasn’t worth holding onto - especially the stuff from high school and beyond.  What I found was telling of who I was in those days - how I thought and felt and how others felt about me.  I was reminded of how many people I have influenced positively over the years.  I also became very aware of the truth that ‘This Too Shall Pass’.  Letters of encouragement from friends urging me to hold on strong through ‘this time’ whatever that time may have been, where abundant.  Funny thing is, now I can’t remember what hard times they are referring to!  Yes, all things pass, even when it feels like the end of the world in the moment.  I found volumes of journals (though mostly only halfway full) starting in elementary school all the way through the World Race in ’07.  It was a good project to fill my time at home and to look back on my life.

I feel like this summer is going to be a change of seasons, in several ways.  My move to this house with Rip opens up some opportunities for me that were harder (though not impossible) to take while living in the dorms.  I didn’t make the best of what I had over the winter in terms of spending time with Jesus.  It was really, really hard to spend quiet time, as I had a roommate in my room, with no way to separate, and the dorms are pretty depressing and cause one to fall asleep since the only place to sit is on the bed. :-(  I don’t do quiet time very well in public places and while it’s winter its hard to get out of the ‘house’ unless you go somewhere public, like a coffee shop.  So I didn’t very often.  A week after I moved here, I found a church that I immediately felt connected too, but all too often found excuses to not go except about once a month.  Some where legitimate (snowstorms on Sunday morning), but some were less than such.  Misplaced priorities, I suppose you could say.  As a result, my inner life has suffered some from a lack of intimate fellowship with the Lord and with his people.  I have been aware of this for most of the winter, and now in recognizing some of the issues and changing some of my circumstances, I intend to change the way I live for the rest of my stay here in Sun Valley.  With support and prayer I have no doubt it’s possible. 

I don’t know that I’m ready to go home to Des Moines yet.  I believe that God has provided people here to support me and challenge me, and not just at home.  I believe I can grow here.  I don’t intend on being here forever - I am still confident I will be back in Des Moines and probably settle down there.  In the meantime I am working on reaching some of my financial goals here in order to be able to buy my house in Des Moines.  I am also setting some other goals for this summer season.

I don’t know what the future holds or what it all looks like right now, but I am confident that I as more diligently pursue the heart of God, He will reveal the direction.  My time at home brought up many things for me to think and pray about.  I am thankful for His grace toward me and my sometimes wandering heart.

Making Plans

I have decided to stay here in Sun Valley for the summer, and have committed myself by purchasing airline tickets for a visit home in May.  I actually have a World Race teammate getting married in Washington, DC on May 9th, and my sister Karyssa's graduation festivities and another wedding to attend at home in the following weeks.  I had to book 3 one way tickets, but found really good deals, and am starting to rack up some flyer miles. Yay! :-)

I will be departing Boise May 6th for DC, where I will spend about a week, with all my WR girlfriends, before leaving for home on the 12th.  I will be home until June 1st, so a couple of weeks.  May is a good month to be gone from here, as it is 'slack' season, where nothing is going on at all and work is slow.  I hope to be able to pick up a couple of shifts at Court Ave while I am home, and of course just hang out with the family.  It's about 6 weeks away.  I have never taken a month long 'vacation', so that will be interesting.  

Summer is apparently unbeatable around here, in terms of beauty and climate.  It's also supposedly even busier business-wise than the winter, so that should be good.  There are a lot of outdoor activities to do as well - mountain biking, hiking, camping, etc... that I am really looking forward to. 

 

We are actually right at the beginning of 'slack' even right now, so I will need to really manage my money well, so I make it through to the 'worth it' summer season. :-)  It's easy to save money here, and not spend too much though, which is awesome and great in terms of reaching my goals.

Heidi's Visit

  This is Heidi and I shredding Lower Warm Springs.  I am in the first 2 little clips (purple pants) and Heidi is in the 2nd part (blue jacket).  This was day 3 of 3 of her learning to ride and by the end of the day, she came down from the top!!  I was so proud of her.  This part of the mountain is a lot steeper than it looks (actually, the whole mountain is), so for her to be tackling this on day 3 is quite impressive.  They say if one learns to ride Baldy, then they will be a pro anywhere else.  :-)  I have gotten through the whole season without hurting myself, till this day....when on my first run, I fell and strained my right thumb.  Heidi apparently fractured the side of her left hand too, but both are minor injuries. :-)

We had an awesome little visit over her spring break.  It was way too short, only 3 days in Sun Valley with me, but every moment was enjoyed.  I had to work the first night she was here, but she was able to come hang out in the lounge and observe and enjoy my workplace and the great live music.  One night we even were asked to dance. ;-)

A couple nights we hung out with my friends, but most of our time was spent on the mountain, or recovering from being out all day.  We saw a comedian who performs here at the resort twice a week, and I took her to see some of downtown.    I was really sad to see her go, but 

am happy to have had a couple days over nothing! 

I think we look more like sisters in this pic than any I've seen!

Sarah and I skiing Baldy!

Sarah came up from Twin today to snowboard with me.  We had a great time.  I used a new board and Adam's bindings and found that good equipment (as opposed to what I have) makes all the difference in the world in my riding.  Thanks Adam!!!

My jacket is my birthday gift with monies from my parents and grandparents.  Thank you. :-)  It's hard to find a jacket to match fuschia pants, but I managed.  And it was on sale.  Yay!!

I live alone - for a little bit

I have my dorm room to myself as my roommate moved out this morning.  I'm not sure how long it will last, but I will enjoy it while I can. (Ideally, I won't get a new roommate :-) )  

Samantha was a great roomie and I will miss her.  She was clean and a good girl, respectful of my things - great as a roommate could be.  She finished her time here as a cook at the Sun Valley Clubhouse, and is headed back home (Seattle area) to be with her family and see where life takes her next.

I have moved stuff around since she had the more desirable sleeping area, by the window, with an outlet, and I cleaned the room as much as is possible to do in those rooms.  

I woke up this morning to 6 inches of snow on the ground - the most we have seen in a while.  The mountain was great, with quite a bit more snow than in town.  It's sunny out now, with a high of 36 predicted for today, but more snow supposed to come tonight.  The temp is supposed to drop, so supposedly we are getting back into winter. :-) I certainly hope so.

Heidi is coming to visit in 2 weeks so any snow we get is fantastic, since I would like to show her a ski town. :-)

Work has been pretty good the last couple weeks, as is typical I here, but now are in the slowing down weeks leading into March. 

My Birthday

I had a fantastic birthday - snowboarded all day with Kaylee and Daniel.  I'm getting better and better everyday, and if I can talk one of them into video-ing me while I ride, then I will prove it to you all! :-)  I tackled a groomed black diamond run the other day, and am getting braver and faster, and falling much less often.  

Afterward, Daniel's sister Wendy invited us over for dinner at her house, which was a wonderful and pleasant time.  She bought me a gift of some good ski socks, cooked dinner and had some of her friends over.  We enjoyed appetizers, a very nice bottle of wine and an excellent dinner.  I felt so blessed to have been welcomed into someone's home when I was away from my family.  

She has 3 dogs - 2 white retrievers and a Burmese mountain puppy, as well as 2 cats.  Her friends brought their 2 huskies, and Daniel had Maverick, so it was quite a party.  (The math....6 dogs, 2 cats).  Fun times. :-)

A Much Overdue, though short update

I apologize - I haven't blogged anything in a while because:

 A) my internet doesn't work at all in/near my dorm room,

B) i am working a lot

C) When I am not working I am snowboarding (up to 6 hours on certain days)

But I have a few things to update.

First...I have quickly picked up on snowboarding and love it with every ounce of me.  I have to be told to stop on any given day, and always want to get 'just one more run in'.  It is a lot of work, but absolutely worth it.  I love being out in the fresh, cold air and getting exercise.  I feel healthier than I have in a long while, and have gained back a healthy appetite.  And riding the mountain is exhilarating beyond words!

Second...the Special Olympics World Winter Games are being held here in Sun Valley beginning Sunday the 8th, and through the week.  It's a pretty big deal, and I'm excited for such an event.  It is bringing in a ton of people, and should be fun.

Third...some very sad news and a request for prayer.  Apparently there was a fight between two roommates in an employee dorm here and one of the guys died last night (friday).  I don't know the details, but the news rattled me.  The guy that passed away worked in the kitchen across the lobby from my lounge, and though I didn't know him personally, I know who he is.  I have been experiencing a range of emotions all night through my shift - compassion and grief, and anger.  Someone killed someone else.  Over roommate disagreements - they didn't get along, and it came to this.  Our world is so broken.  I have tears to cry for someone.  Please keep this situation in your prayers, both the families and the friends.

On one last positive note - I am one year closer to 30 years old on Sunday...only 3 more to go.  I am looking forward to this new year, anticipating all that lies ahead.  And for the record...I am not dreading 30, but looking forward to it. :-)

Kaylee and I after lunch on the mountain last week....

I'm boarding!

 See, I'm really doing it!!!  This is the shorter, not so steep slope, Lower River Run, on Baldy.  I can work this one, but still have so much learning to do on anything steeper. My roommate took this video from the lift.

My First Day!

Well, I had my first attempt snowboarding this afternoon.  I don't have pics because I wasn't willing to sacrifice my camera in a fall had it been in my pocket.  But I did go. :-)

Kaylee is a good teacher, gave me plenty of pointers and then just let me figure it out.  That's the only way, really.  At least for me.  I have to do things to learn them, not just have someone tell me how it's done.  

We went to Dollar Mountain, which is the training/kids mountain, although that doesn't mean it's just a hill.  After scooting around for a minute with one foot in my bindings and the other out, we boarded the lift.  That worked just fine.  Getting off was more difficult.  I got off just fine (still one foot loose) and slid a-ways, before losing control and falling over.  Thus begins the falling over.  Again, and again, and again, and again, and again.....

Kaylee could've taken the run in probably about 60 seconds, start to finish, but it took us (well, me) about 35 minutes with the 'slide, turn, fall' cycle I was in.  After the first run, we took a short break before tackling it again.   

The second time off the lift, I didn't fall.  The second run took less than a third of the time of the first, which means I was doing much better - going faster and turning better.  The downside of going faster though is that when one falls, one falls much harder.   I figured out how to turn one way on the board (heel side), but every time I tried to turn 'toe-side', I bit it - sometimes falling forward, but most often, falling straight back onto my bum.  Hit my head twice.  But don't worry...I wear a helmet!  By the end of that second run, I was ready to take a rest.  I would have gone again, if we didn't have lunch plans already, and besides, I had to be at work in a couple hours.

Daniel showed up right as we Kaylee and I were walking off the mountain to 'see the carnage', but thankfully he came too late to laugh at me very much. :-)  I am planning on getting back up there tomorrow sometime, since I have the day off work, but this time will probably be going alone.  That's a bummer in some ways, but at the same time, I can take my time and work it by myself, and thus impress them the next time we get together.  Right?!   

Then soon, when I go out with friends again, I will take, and then post, some awesome pictures of me (and them) in all our gear.  It's pretty sweet.  Ha ha!

All in all, the pain I am now experiencing (a terribly bruised tailbone and a stiff neck) will be worth it all once I figure it out.  I can't wait. :-)  

I've got a board!!

I realize it's been a while since I've posted...since Christmas day, I think.  I have been pretty busy the last couple weeks, but it's slowed down around here again, so I have more time on my hands.  I loved working when it was crazy busy - it was never boring and there was always something entertaining.  We have live music everyday from at least 4pm till close, varying jazz/blues musicians.  

I finally got some gear to get up on the mountain.  After quite of bit of deliberation and uncertainty, I opted to attempt snowboarding over skiing.  Sun Valley offers year long leases to employees for $150, including boots, bindings and board (or skis), so it's really a good deal.  I picked mine up yesterday.  It's not in great shape since it's been a rental for a while, but with a tune up, it will definitely be sufficient for a beginner such as myself.  Kaylee and Daniel have both said they are willing to help me at the beginning.  I have been told by numerous people that snowboarding is harder to figure out at the beginning than skiing and I will spend a few days really sore and bruised, but that I will be able to get better faster on a board than skis. Meaning...I could tackle more runs by the end of the season on a board.  So I decided that I would push myself through the initial pain and frustration of learning for the reward. :-)  It'll be good for me, physically and mentally, to push myself through learning something and working out.

I hung out at the bottom of one of the lift areas the other day just watching people come down the mountain and couldn't wipe the cheesy grin off my face as I thought about doing it myself.  I can't wait to get out there.  I will make my first attempt on Friday morning, I think.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Kaylee provided me with goggles, a helmet, and gloves, and Sarah contributed a ski jacket so I'm all set to get out there.  Whee!!!